Important Major Events Announcement



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Important Major Events Announcement

Important Major Events Announcement

29 June, 2020



Archery NZ board would like to welcome Andrew Russell as the new Archery NZ Major Events Manager. Here is a message from Andrew:

For those who don't know me, my name is Andrew Russell. I'm a life member of Auckland Archery Club, and have been shooting for 22 years (both recurve and compound). I started as a youth archer, enjoying attending tournaments held all around the country, and overseas. I've experienced first-hand the thrill of attending national events, and made many life-long friends in the process. I've also had a management role in major events for ArcheryNZ, including four National Outdoor Championships and the World Masters' Games in 2017 - the largest multi-venue archery event run in NZ. I'm excited about taking up the Major Events Manager role for ArcheryNZ, and hope to make some significant improvements to the way we plan and run events.

We need to run tournaments that are profitable to local organising committees (LOCs) to encourage repeat bids, develop some great events experience within a breadth of clubs and regions, and put on events that support the ambitions of the wide range of competitors that we have in our country and from overseas.

The following are the key responsibilities of the new role:

  • Coordinate a long-term programme of major events hosted in NZ including National Outdoor Target, Indoor Target, Field and Clout, Selection events and Trans-Tasman Youth Challenges, plus other special events as they arise (e.g. Oceania Champs in Auckland in 2026)
  • Coordinate involvement of subject matter experts to develop events resources and templates, such as an events manual
  • Administer an events bid selection procedure
  • Work alongside LOCs to review organisational progress, and provide advice, support and coaching if requested

I intend to develop a system where the clubs feel supported and are invested in the organisation of successful events, have a clear set of roles & responsibilities, and are trusted to make the operational decisions necessary. It is not effective for ArcheryNZ to operate events alone - but with a strong LOC, and support from the knowledge and experience of past organisers, we can deliver fantastic events smoothly, efficiently, and celebrate the successful development and enrichment of our clubs, regions and event organisers.

2020 Indoor Nationals

Currently, there is no club or venue engaged to deliver the 2020 Indoor National Championships. With a limited time left of the indoor season, it is not considered practical to organise a single-venue event. However, I would like to investigate whether there is interest from 3-4 clubs in running a multi-venue event, probably between late September to early November. This would enable our athletes to get back into National competition following the major disruption earlier this year from COVID-19, with a reduced need for travel. I will be in contact with clubs shortly about this, but any unsolicited offers of involvement from clubs with indoor venues would be gratefully received - if we can get venues confirmed in the next few weeks, we should be able to deliver an event that attracts good participation.

2020 Field Nationals

Since lockdown, Kapiti Coast Archery Club had been asked by the council to clear their course for logging. As a result, they are not in a position to host the event later this year, but we thank them for their offer to run the event, and look forward to working with them in future years.

Other clubs are welcome to submit a bid for the 2020 Field Nationals. However, if no bids are received by mid-August, it is likely that the next Field National Championships will be hosted in 2021.

Future Events

I will also be contacting clubs generally with a survey to understand sentiments towards ArcheryNZ major event organisation, what can be done to improve things, and if there are any barriers to involvement that can be addressed. I am building up a multi-year events calendar from scratch, and the earlier we can lock in events for 2021, the more certainty and lead time there is for both athletes and organisers. Ideally, events will be awarded 1-2 years in advance, with entry forms out a minimum of 6 months in advance, but for 2021 we will do what we can to get things planned out as far in advance as practical.

We already have a great body of knowledge around the country in events organisation, and with clubs' and districts' support, we can develop a strong events programme that delivers value to athletes, clubs and ArcheryNZ alike. I look forward to working with our existing experienced events organisers and bringing on some enthusiastic new groups. For any queries, I can be contacted on the following:

[email protected]
021 0292 1162